"He feels particularly aggrieved because ICAC had determined that his disclosure was covered by the Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 which made it an offence to take reprisal action against him substantially in response to him having made a protected disclosure," Mr Murphy said.

The Northern NSW Local Health District denied Mr Charles was ever dismissed - he was simply "separated" from the casual pool because he had not worked a shift for more than six months.

"Further, the respondent submits that this administrative action was not taken by it but by HealthShare NSW," Mr Murphy said.

Mr Charles did not want to return to work at Lismore Base Hospital, asking to be redeployed to either Kyogle or Nimbin hospitals.

The commission found the termination of his employment was not harsh, unreasonable or unjust and dismissed his application.